1 Kings 17

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Elijah's announcement to King Ahab that a severe drought will come upon the land, as a judgment for Israel's idolatry. Elijah then flees to the brook Cherith, where God provides for him through ravens. When the brook dries up, Elijah is sent to a widow in Zarephath, where he performs a miracle by multiplying her flour and oil. The widow's son falls ill and dies, but Elijah prays and God raises the boy back to life. Throughout the chapter, God demonstrates His power and provision, even in the midst of judgment and hardship, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 17:8-16, and 1 Kings 17:17-24.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which describes the reign of King Solomon and the division of the kingdom. The chapter also fits into the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and provision for His people, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 19:1-6. The events of this chapter take place during a time of spiritual decline in Israel, and serve as a reminder of God's judgment and restoration.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty. We are also encouraged to obey God's commands, even when they seem difficult or impossible, and to look to Him for our daily needs, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about God's provision for Elijah and a widow during a time of drought. God sent Elijah to tell the king that there would be no rain until he said so. Elijah then went to a brook where God sent ravens to bring him food. When the brook dried up, Elijah went to a widow who had only a little flour and oil. Elijah told her to make him a cake, and then her flour and oil never ran out. The widow's son got sick and died, but Elijah prayed and God brought him back to life. As seen in 1 Kings 17:1 and 1 Kings 17:17-24, this chapter reminds us that God is always with us and will provide for us, even when things seem impossible.

Voices from the Church

“The providence of God is like a great river, which flows on, unceasingly, and carries all things with it. We may not see the whys and the wherefores, but we may be sure that all is well, for God is at the helm.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The miracles which God wrought by the hand of Elijah were not only a proof of His power, but also a testimony to His faithfulness and mercy.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Elijah's Ministry (1 Kings 17:1) — Elijah is introduced as a prophet of God, and his ministry is characterized by obedience and faith.
2. God's Provision for Elijah at the Brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:2-7) — God provides for Elijah through ravens, demonstrating His care and sovereignty.
3. The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) — Elijah is sent to a widow who has only a little flour and oil, but God multiplies her resources, providing for both Elijah and the widow.
4. The Widow's Son is Raised from the Dead (1 Kings 17:17-24) — The widow's son falls ill and dies, but Elijah prays and God raises the boy back to life, demonstrating His power and Elijah's faith.
5. Conclusion (1 Kings 17:24) — The chapter concludes with the widow's testimony to God's power and Elijah's faith, highlighting God's sovereignty and provision.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the forces of nature and the lives of individuals, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1 and Psalm 103:19.

God's Provision

The chapter demonstrates God's provision and care for His people, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty, as seen in 1 Kings 17:2-7 and 1 Kings 17:8-16.

Faith and Obedience

Elijah's obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult or impossible, is a model for our own faith and obedience, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1-5 and John 14:15.

Miracles and the Power of God

The miracles performed by Elijah, including the raising of the widow's son, demonstrate God's power and authority, as seen in 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Acts 2:22.

Lessons from 1 Kings 17

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1 and Romans 8:28.
2. Obey God's Commands — We are encouraged to obey God's commands, even when they seem difficult or impossible, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1-5 and John 14:15.
3. Look to God for Provision — We can look to God for our daily needs, trusting in His provision and care, as seen in 1 Kings 17:2-7 and Matthew 6:25-34.
4. Cultivate Faith — We can cultivate greater faith in God's provision and care, as seen in 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Hebrews 11:1-3.
5. Remember God's Power and Authority — We can remember God's power and authority, as demonstrated in the miracles of this chapter, and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Psalm 115:3.

Themes from 1 Kings 17

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the forces of nature and the lives of individuals, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1 and Psalm 103:19.
2. God's Provision — The chapter demonstrates God's provision and care for His people, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty, as seen in 1 Kings 17:2-7 and 1 Kings 17:8-16.
3. Faith and Obedience — Elijah's obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult or impossible, is a model for our own faith and obedience, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1-5 and John 14:15.
4. Miracles and the Power of God — The miracles performed by Elijah demonstrate God's power and authority, as seen in 1 Kings 17:17-24 and Acts 2:22.
5. Trust in God's Care — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's care and provision, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty, as seen in 1 Kings 17:1 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Elijah's obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult or impossible?
2. How does God's provision for Elijah and the widow demonstrate His care and sovereignty?
3. What role does faith play in our lives, and how can we cultivate greater faith in God's provision and care?
4. What does the miracle of the widow's son being raised from the dead teach us about God's power and authority?
5. How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Kings 17

	Sermon	Description
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	Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t
	No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Elijah, whom he considers one of the greatest men in history. He highlights the miraculous events and accomplishments of Elijah, s
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	1 Kings 16-18 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the venue and encourages the audience to attend more frequently. The sermon then focuses on the book of James, specif
	Excellency of Knowing God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story from the book of Acts about the Apostle Paul being caught in a powerful storm at sea. Despite the ship being in distress and the crew l
	Life of Elijah - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher uses the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17 to illustrate the provision of God in times of extreme poverty. The preacher emphasizes the role o
	Where Is the Lord God of Elijah? by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker draws parallels between the courage and dedication of the prophet Elijah and the need for believers today to have faith and obedience. He emphasizes tha
	Jerusalem Conference Address by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being called by God to deliver a message in an unscheduled manner. He expresses the fear and trembling he feels before
	K-007 the End Time Man of God by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker describes a moment of crisis where a Jewish life is hanging in the balance. The speaker is given the opportunity to speak first and delivers a powerful

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 17

In this chapter, we see the mighty hand of God at work in the life of Elijah, a prophet of the Lord. The drought that God sends upon the land is a judgment upon the idolatry of Israel, but it also serves as a backdrop for the demonstration of God's power and provision. The story of the widow of Zarephath and her son is a remarkable example of God's care for the faithful, and the miracle of the boy's resurrection is a powerful testimony to the power of God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty. We are also encouraged to obey God's commands, even when they seem difficult or impossible, and to look to Him for our daily needs, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19. The chapter also highlights the importance of faith and obedience, as seen in the example of Elijah and the widow, and reminds us of God's power and authority, as demonstrated in the miracle of the widow's son being raised from the dead. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?